Wilton Sexting Lawyer
While it is not illegal for adults to send nude images or videos to others, Connecticut makes it a crime for two minors to exchange illicit photos or videos. A Wilson sexting lawyer could review the facts of the case and help you fight the charges.
Is Sexting Between Minors is a Criminal Offense in Wilton?
With nearly every teenager having a smartphone that is capable of sending pictures and videos to others, it is inevitable that some people will use this technology to send nudes. However, teenagers need to be aware that this activity is now illegal under state law.
Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-196h says that no person under the age of 18 may knowingly possess a picture or video sent via electronic means when the subject of that picture or video is under the age of 16. At the same time, the statute also outlaws the practice of sending these materials to another person who is not yet 18. As a result, sexting may implicate both the sender and receiver of this material.
One essential thing to remember about this law is the idea of intent. For both the alleged senders and receivers of this material, the prosecutor will need to prove that the defendants knowingly committed the offense. In other words, that defendants knew that the materials depicting a child under the age of 16. A Wilton sexting attorney can provide more information about this concept under the law and how to mount a vigorous defense.
What Are the Potential Consequences for a Sexting Conviction?
Under Connecticut law, a conviction for a sexting offense is a Class A misdemeanor. For adults, this means that a conviction can result in a jail sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to $2,000, or both. Additionally, conviction could lead to a placement on the sex offender registry. To learn more, click here.
However, because the state’s texting statute applies only to minors, the consequences for a conviction may be different. People who are 16 or 17 years old may be able to apply for status as a youthful offender.
A Wilton sexting attorney could make the argument that a defendant deserves recognition as a youthful offender. If the court accepts this argument, it may impose a penalty under the state’s sexting statute. Once the defendant completes this sentence, the court will order that all police and court records be erased once the defendant becomes 21 years old. In this way, a lawyer could help to protect a teen’s future while they still accept responsibility for the act of sexting.
Contact a Wilton Sexting Attorney Today
Teenagers facing allegations of sexting that involve images of children under the age of 16 need to act quickly to protect their futures. Click here to read the hundreds of reviews from prior clients of Mark Sherman Law to learn the advantages of hiring dedicated lawyers. Call today to schedule a consultation to learn how a Wilton sexting lawyer could help you fight your charges.